Ok so i needed a new project for my woods class, so i went out to menards and got a 4'x8' sheet of 3/4" mdf. I have a custom sealed box with a upward firing sub but it goes all the way across in back and the back seat is useless. Therefore i would like to build a ported box with a down firing sub and upward firing port. this way i can atleast set things on top of the box back there. I know people have done this but how does it soud? Advantages/Disadvantages?
Any input will be appreciated.

 

I've heard from alot of people, and in person, downfiring subs sound like ***.

 

Depends on who built the box, and if they know what the **** they are doing.

 

If the subwoofer is inverted (firing into the box) then it usually hits a little harder, but you hear the subwoofer working, like all of the little pieces moving (which sucks). If the subwoofer is firing outside the box (normally mounted) but turned upside down to fire towards the floor, you get the normal bass of a normal enclosure, but with the bass firing at the floor you might feel some more vibrations instead of the sound waves and vibrations moving into the cab. Whether or not its worth it to fire downwards, I'm not sure.

 

I have two older Kicker Comp 12's, comparable to the new Kicker Comp VR's in downfiring boxes and they sound really good. I took pretty careful attention to build the boxes to the correct volume and added cotton batting to the inside. The subs are extremely clean and have a good freq. response range with no distortion, I listen to country so the wider freq. response range was a must. I have sat in the truck and moved them around so they fire in different directions and the downfiring hits harder than any other position. One thing to keep in mind is that you have plenty of room between the sub and the floor so that it has plenty of room to move the air. I probably have 2-3 inches of clear space under the subs. Sorry if I can't give you more technical answers, but i just know that I'm very happy with the outcome....

 

its all in the install and box build. down firing generall adds a little deeper tone to the bass since its reflecting off the floor-boards but as said more vibrations will be noticed.

make sure there is enough clearence between the sub and floor for excusion and u should be ok. also solid pegs should be considered.

 

The Admin (Mnemonic) Michael, built my box(down firing), for one 12" , once i get the right amp, it hit hard as hell..

I cant even put it in my car, it rattles the back hatch.

 

Thanks guys. And yes i build the box with the right cubic airspace(2.5ft3) requirements for my subwoofer, the right slot port sizes, and with 2 in between the subwoofer and ground. The port exits at the top and towards the ceiling while the sub fires downward. The box was glued, screwed, stapled, and cauked (SP). And i am thinking it will be loud.

 

sorry, but not true. the only advantage to inverting a sub is to gain volume, if its needed. and unless your sub is a p.o.s... you shouldn't hear "little pieces" moving.

 

if youre hearing 'little pieces move' then your sub sucks. even the gain you'd get from inverting is arguable. usually its for looks, and nothing more.

 

our trucks arent exactly the greatest at optimizing accoustics. that being said, you'll generally lose some bass with upfiring, and gain with down/forward firing subs.

as far as downfiring subs sounding like ***, the loudest, cleanest system i've heard is a downfiring system; 3 12w6v2 jlsubs downfiring in a sealed enclosure... sounded amazing.

 

i built my box for my 12" w0 as a downfiring. BIG problem though, the sound waves bouncing off the floor canceled out the bass. i turned my box on its side and it sounds great. it had 1" of air space(from the sub to the floor), but the install shop where i had it wired said that to fix it i would need like 5" of space